The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has extended the deadlines for candidates to participate in the NEET UG 2026 stray vacancy round for medical and dental seats. This extension allows candidates who do not currently hold a medical seat to take part in the seat allotment process by paying the prescribed medical course fee deposit and submitting their choices by the new deadline.
- Fee deposit deadline extended to October 19, 2026, by 11 am
- Choice filling deadline extended to October 19, 2026, by 1 pm
- Candidates without allotted seats can participate by paying the fee
- Fresh choice filling is mandatory for the stray vacancy round
What is the Karnataka NEET UG 2026 stray vacancy round?
The stray vacancy round is an additional counselling phase conducted by KEA for filling leftover medical and dental seats after the main rounds of counselling. It provides an opportunity for candidates who did not get a seat in earlier rounds or those who did not participate previously to secure admission in MBBS or BDS courses.
Who can participate in the stray vacancy round?
All candidates who have qualified NEET UG 2026 and are eligible for Karnataka medical admissions can participate. Importantly, candidates who do not currently hold any medical seat are also allowed to join this round by paying the required fee deposit. This decision was made following requests from many candidates wishing to participate despite not having an allotted seat.
What are the revised deadlines for the stray vacancy round?
KEA has updated the schedule as follows:
- Fee deposit must be completed by October 19, 2026, at 11 am.
- Choice filling and locking must be done by October 19, 2026, at 1 pm.
Candidates should regularly check the official KEA website for any further updates or instructions related to the counselling process.
How can candidates fill and lock their choices?
Candidates must follow these steps to participate in the stray vacancy round:
- Visit the official KEA website: cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
- Access the UGNEET-2026 stray vacancy round option-entry link.
- Log in using valid credentials.
- Review the available medical and dental seats.
- Select preferred colleges and courses in order of preference.
- Carefully review the choices before final submission.
- Submit the choices and save or print the confirmation for future reference.
It is important to note that candidates must enter fresh choices for this round, as preferences submitted in earlier rounds will not be considered.
What was the context for this extension?
The extension was granted after many candidates requested the opportunity to participate in the stray vacancy round despite not holding a seat from previous allotments. KEA responded by allowing these candidates to pay the fee and fill their choices until the extended deadline, providing a fair chance to secure admission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can candidates who already have a medical seat participate in the stray vacancy round?
A: Typically, the stray vacancy round is for candidates without a seat, but candidates with seats may also participate if allowed by KEA rules. Candidates should check official notifications for specific eligibility.
Q: Where can candidates find official updates and instructions?
A: All official updates and instructions are available on the KEA website at cetonline.karnataka.gov.in.
Q: Is it mandatory to pay the fee to participate in the stray vacancy round?
A: Yes, candidates must pay the prescribed medical course fee deposit by the deadline to be eligible for seat allotment in the stray vacancy round.
